What’s on – 294

Newtown Festival

It’s that time of year when Camperdown Memorial Rest Park is over-run with music lovers. Seriously, last year over 90,000 people came, with that number (or more) expected this time. This year’s line-up boasts the most diverse program in the history of the festival, with four stages and more than 40 acts from rockabilly, to rap, to world music and DJs. There really is something for every taste.

Aside from the music – but that’s what it’s really all about – there will be numerous other activities, including a Writers Tent, a photography exhibition by Humans of Newtown photographer Jo Wallace and a dog show, with all the remaining free space packed with market stalls and food vans.

You would think all of this demands a highly priced ticket, right? Nope, entry is by donation with all profits going towards the festival’s host, the not-for-profit Newtown Neighbourhood Centre, which does important work for those less fortunate in our community.

Get ready for the November 13th; it’ll be a big one.

Camperdown Memorial Rest Park, Newtown

Balmain Art and Craft Show

With each event the brains behind the Balmain Art and Craft Show aim to build upon what has come before and expand an already strong reputation for demonstrating artistic excellence and community goodwill. Logically, that means that this year’s show will be the best one yet.

The exhibition runs over a weekend, with opening night kicking off on Friday November 11th, with various stalls and kids events taking place over the following Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free for most events, with opening night tickets available to pre-purchase in the lead-up to the occasion. Access to the opening-night party will ensure first glimpse at the art on show, live music and entry into the silent auction.

Aside from the cultural and social aspects of the event, it is also the major fundraising push by Fr John Therry Primary School, providing much needed funds to enhance teaching and learning for our local kids. The show will be located within the beautiful heritage sandstone church and grounds at Fr John Therry Primary School, which are worth a visit for their own artistic panache.

29 Oct – 11 Nov

Anthony Griffis at Gallery 503

Living in the Inner West allows you to immerse yourself in galleries and artist workshops, so why wouldn’t you take advantage of that? Scratching the Surface, a solo exhibition by contemporary abstract artist Anthony Griffis, focuses on the act of painting itself; with paint both the medium and the matter. For a special night, why not come along on Saturday 29 October, for drinks with the painter surrounded by his work.

Gallery 503 is at 503 Balmain Rd, Lilyfield.

Sun 30th Oct, 10am-5pm

Graffiti Removal Day

The Inner West Council is supporting the statewide initiative and is urging all residents who are available and able to volunteer and help tackle illegal graffiti and tagging hot spots. The event is run by Rotary Down Under, which will be taking responsibility for the organisation, management, training and insurance of all volunteers on the day. The removal of unauthorised graffiti makes way for additional commissioned street art, which means a brighter and funkier Inner West.

Sat 5 Nov, 12-9pm

African Rhythm and Roots Festival 2016

Be immersed in West African culture as West African Festival Inc (WAF) bring you the sounds, sights, tastes and spirit of their homeland. The festival will feature prominent West African musicians and dancers – Afro Moses, King Tide and Keyim Ba, anyone? There will be a licensed bar.

Sun 6 Nov, 6am-5pm

MS Sydney to the Gong Ride

Celebrating 35 years, one of Australia’s most spectacular one-day community bike rides is back and ready to raise funds for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The charity bike ride kicks off in St Peters then stretches 90 kilometres to Wollongong. Since 1981, hundreds of thousands of cyclists have taken up the challenge and raised over 35 million dollars. If cycling isn’t your thing, you can still get involved by sponsoring a rider or donating directly to the cause.

Sun 6-27 Nov, 9-10.30am

Heartfulness Meditation

It’s that time of year where we are inching closer to the holiday period and the work starts to pile up. Sound like you? Ciao recommends taking some time for yourself and what better way to do that than through community based meditation classes. Run by a global not-for-profit, the only mission of Heartfulness Meditation is to uplift the hearts of the community they serve and the people within it. Because of this, all classes are completely free!

Wed 16 Nov, 6-8pm

Courageous Journeys

Attend the book launch of ‘Courageous Journeys’ a collection of portaits of families from Cambodia, Iraq, Sudanand Syria who have sought refuge in Australia and are now living in Sydney. The event is open to the general public and many of the participant families will be present to share the stories behind the photographs, taken by Saskia Wilson. Copies will be available for purchase on the night with all funds being reinvested into community projects benefiting newly-arrived refugees.